I live in Reading (near London), England UK, and was diagnosed with Parkinson's on World Parkinson's Day 11th April 2019.

In 2020 I was honoured to be chosen to play football for the UK team due to play in the Ray Kennedy Cup in Copenhagen.

I'd never been to Scandinavia before, and never imagined I'd get the chance.

However, it was the first six months of the Covid pandemic, and a month before the tournament was due to take place the UK team withdrew because of travelling difficulties. I was still determined to come though, and wrote to the organisers confirming I was still coming - even if it was alone, and please could I play for one of the teams....

Without even knowing me, FC Parkinsons Copenhagen (Fit4Cure) wholeheaterdly welcomed me, and I immediately fell in love with the team, the group, and Copenhagen. Finn, Soren, Stig and everybody were really so kind, generous, funny, warm, friendly, and I automatically felt at home.

In 2021, the same thing happened, although I'd already made up my mind I wanted to return and play for Copenhagen again to thank them for their hospitality the previous year.

In 2022 I came to Fit4Cure Copenhagen three times - in July to take part in the 7 hour cycle event, in September to play for FC Parkinson's Copenhagen again in the Ray Kennedy Cup (against my friends from UK), and in November to attend the FC Parkinson's Copenhagen Christmas lunch.

I've already now been back in January 2023 to play for FC Parkinson's Copenhagen in another football tournament, and to take part in Fit4Cure exercise activities including table tennis, yoga and boxing. I have also made a relationship with a local kids' football team (coached by Michael, one of the FC Parkinson's Copenhagen players), and cheered as I watched the Danish national handball win the World Championship on my hotel room TV .

I love the people I have met through Fit4Cure, and look forward to more contacts and visits this year. I shall play football for Copenhagen when the team come to the UK for the Ray Kennedy Cup - this year taking place in Liverpool, England, and I plan to come to Copenhagen for cycling, football, and other events.

Thank you everybody at Fit4Cure. I am truly thankful and humbled by your hospitality, and your fantastic friendship.

Joe